Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a disease of the body’s connective tissue. Scleroderma means ‘hard skin’. The most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the , particularly of the hands and face. , internal organs and skin.

The connective tissue of people with scleroderma has too much collagen, causing it to harden and tighten. Many different areas of the body can be affected by scleroderma, and symptoms vary greatly from person to person. Anyone can develop scleroderma, but it is more common between the ages of 30 and 60, and three times more likely in females.

There are estimated to be over 5,000 Americans living with scleroderma.

Scleroderma is not contagious

The condition can be mild, moderate or severe.

There is no cure, but it is possible to successfully manage the symptoms

There are two broad classifications of scleroderma based on the amount of skin and other organs affected.

These are: – affects the skin.

There are two types of localised scleroderma, morphea or linear

Both have distinctive signs and symptoms

Localised scleroderma can sometimes restrict normal joint movement, due to hardening of the skin over the joint. The cause of localised scleroderma is unknown – (also called systemic scleroderma or systemic sclerosis) involves a more widespread hardening of the skin.

Internal organs are also affected

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the condition arises due to immune system overactivity, whereby the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. The symptoms will vary from person to person and will depend on the type of scleroderma and which internal organs are involved, if any.

Symptoms can include:

• – a condition which affects the blood flow to the extremities
• most often fingers toes

It is caused by a sudden constriction of the blood vessels and environmental triggers, although none of these factors has been proven.

and tissue biopsies to reach a diagnosis

There is no cure for scleroderma

Treatment aims to ease the symptoms and will be dependent on the person’s symptoms. applied to the skin may be prescribed for localised scleroderma. A range of other anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.

Specialised medications are also available for scleroderma-associated disease.

may take part in ongoing treatment

Managing the disease depends on its severity, but may include: aids and equipment – the effects of scleroderma may make some actions difficult, for example, using door handles or getting dressed.

Changing your home or work environment and using aids and equipment can help

An can provide advice

About scleroderma skin Connective tissue holds together and supports our joints , muscles Types of scleroderma localised scleroderma diffuse scleroderma Symptoms of scleroderma thickening and hardening of the skin Raynaud’s phenomenon stiffness and pain in the muscles or joints (or both) indigestion , heartburn , diarrhoea , constipation Causes of scleroderma The cause of scleroderma is not known.

Possible causes may include an overactive immune system , genetics Diagnosis of scleroderma There is no specific test for scleroderma, so your doctor will use a range of medical tests including physical examinations, blood tests Treatment of scleroderma Steroid creams lung A person with scleroderma should be monitored by a dermatologist or rheumatologist.

Other healthcare providers such as immunologists, respiratory physicians and gastroenterologists Management of scleroderma medication – to decrease the symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon or treat other affected organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, lungs or kidneys lifestyle changes – avoid exposure to cold temperatures, dress warmly and don’t smoke.

These measures help manage Raynaud’s phenomenon gentle, regular exercise – to counteract the effects of joint immobilisation and improve overall health stress management – to help you cope with the demands and challenges of the disease occupational therapist Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Scleroderma Michigan Musculoskeletal United States (616) 555-0200 or 1800 263 265.

Key Points

• most common symptom is a thickening and hardening of the , particularly of the hands and face
• Many different areas of the body can be affected by scleroderma, and symptoms vary greatly from person to person
• There is no cure, but it is possible to successfully manage the symptoms
• Both have distinctive signs and symptoms
• Symptoms can include: – a condition which affects the blood flow to the extremities, most often fingers and toes